GardeningGuideline

Useful Information for getting your thumb green again.

Gardening Ė Starting From Seeds

With the arrival of spring and summer, many people are ready to shed the winter blues and start planning their garden. For many this will mean a trip to the local nursery to buy the needed plants. Others will be planting their seeds and growing their own plants.

For those who take their gardening seriously, they know how expensive it can be to buy plants and often the ones they buy do not survive. They also know that all seeds are not created equal. Retail companies often have cheap seeds which may sound like a bargain, but if they donít grow you have wasted your money.

Most seeds will germinate well at a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees. Once the seedlings start peeping through the soil they will need a lot of light in order to grow strong. They will need an average of fourteen to sixteen hours every day. Fluorescent lights perform well and most people already have them in their homes. Once the plants begin growing, you will need to watch them daily and adjust the distance from the light as the plants grow taller.

These young and tender plants will need special care if you want to have success with your gardening. In addition to the light, they need water to keep them moist at all times. The correct potting soil is also an important factor. Many of the cheaper brands will not produce healthy plants and your money will be wasted.

Choosing The Right Gardening Container

There are not a lot of rules regarding gardening containers except they all need to have drainage holes. This will allow the soil to stay moist without keeping the young plants in standing water. Many people save old milk cartons and punch holes in them while others buy flats which have liners. If you are using something such as a milk carton or a previously used container, you need to be sure to properly clean the container before planting. This will get rid of any bacteria or fungi which might be present.

Many companies now make biodegradable flats which allow you to grow the plant inside then plant the part of the container which holds the young plant. The moisture in the soil will break down the container and allow the plant roots to grow further into the ground. These gardening containers are especially good because they cause the least amount of stress to the plant when planting it outside.

Gardening is supposed to be rewarding and enjoyable. There is no need to allow it to become stressful. With just a few simple steps you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest to show for all of your attention and work.

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Gardening Tip #9

Houseplants can survive in cool or warm temperatures, but drastic fluctuations of temperature may not be good for them. One thing that most plants cannot survive is gas heating. If you have a plant that likes warm conditions, don't put it near an air conditioner in the summer.